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The Packers’ backup came through with yet another clutch performance and delivered a perfect throw on an impressive playcall to get the team a W.
Once again, one of the biggest plays that the Green Bay Packers ran wasn’t on Matt LaFleur’s call sheet coming into game day. Two weeks ago against the Arizona Cardinals, the Packers dialed up a play to Christian Watson that went for a 44-yard touchdown, but that play was not part of the week’s install. On Sunday, in a tie game against the Jacksonville Jaguars and with a backup quarterback on the field, the coaches did it again.
The play that got Jayden Reed free to bring in a perfect throw from Malik Willis was another example of a play that the Packers have in their scheme but one that was not installed for Sunday’s game. But passing game coordinator Jason Vrable convinced LaFleur to break it out, and Willis audibled into it when getting the right look from the Jaguars’ defense.
51 yards later, the Packers were set up to kick a game-winning field goal and head home with a win, one they needed because they had no business losing that game. Willis became the hero after relieving an injured Jordan Love, and the Packers improved to 6-2 on the season. Frankly, if the team had not made the trade for Willis, it’s tough to imagine them winning all three games that he has played in.
That win will probably be an important one. With the Lions playing incredible football, the Packers could certainly lose next week’s game, and a loss on Sunday could have had them going into the bye week at 5-4. Now, the worst they can do is be 6-3 at that point, putting them in a much better position for the final eight weeks.
Let’s take a look at how it all happened on Sunday.
Inside the Packers’ game-winning play: Malik Willis helps save the day again - The Athletic ($)
The clincher in Sunday's game wasn't even in the game plan this week, but an assistant coach suggested it midway through the game. Malik Willis and Jayden Reed ran it to perfection, and the Packers got out of Jacksonville with a W.
Yes, He ‘Can’: Malik Willis Changes Play, Changes Packers’ Fortunes vs. Jaguars | SI.com
To make it even better, it was the second option that the team called on that snap, and Willis recognized the right look from the defense and checked into it, then delivered a pinpoint throw to Reed on the run.
Packers win with backup Malik Willis after Jordan Love injury - ESPN
Willis is quickly reaching local legend status and after helping the team to three wins already this season, he's making Brian Gutekunst look like a genius for trading for him at the end of training camp.
Game notes: Josh Jacobs rewards Packers for their trust | Packers.com
While Willis made the splash play to put the Packers in position to win...
